"Seeing it is [a righteous thing with God] to recompense tribulation to [them that trouble you]; And to you who are troubled rest with us, [when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed] (Grk. en tei apokalupsei tou kuriou Iesou; i.e., "the unveiling of the Christ of the Lord God") from heaven with his mighty angels (lit., "the angels of His power"; i.e., the attributed power of God's Holy angels inherently endowed by Him, and not an intrinsic power they possess), In flaming fire [taking vengeance] (Grk. ekdikeo) on them that [know not] God (Grk. eido -- i.e., "the One True and Living God"), and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with [everlasting destruction] (Grk. olethron aionion; i.e., "unending spiritual ruin") [from the presence] of the Lord, and [from the glory] of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day." (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10)

The focal point of this discussion will be centered on the Vengeance that will be meted out to the enemies of God and His people. The Fear of the Lord is virtually nonexistence in the time we are now living in -- even among professing Christendom; this is why the Grace of God has been perverted into a license to sin through the hypocrisy of false teachers and nominal Christians. Each and every human being will be held accountable based on the available information given to them, and no excuse will suffice to escape the Wrath of God on the day of Judgment for those who have rejected the Gospel of God and Christ; these will suffer the Divine Retribution of Eternal Destruction from the Presence of God and from the Glory of His Might. The Divine penalty of Eternal "Destruction" will NOT be "annihilation", because a non-existent creature cannot be FROM the PRESENCE of [anyone] or [anything] if it ceases to exist. God is no respecter of persons: both the Jew and the Gentile will be judged accordingly by the Righteousness of God when the time comes for them to stand before the Tribunal of the Godhead (Deut. 10:17; 2 Chron. 19:7; Job 34:19; Acts 10:35; Rom. 2:11; 3:29-30; Jas. 2:1).

[CONTINUED . . .]

Below is the outline in which the main topic of discussion will be broken down into sections; and these will also contain expositions to bring clarity to subtopics within each section of the main discussion:

• I. The Distinct Holiness of God demands Divine Retribution for ALL sins, and why ALL are held accountable for their ungodly deeds.
• II. Them that know not God.
• III. Them that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
• IV. The Vengeance of God and His Christ towards the persecutors of His people/Sinners Storing up Wrath.

V. Closing Remarks.

[THE DISTINCT HOLINESS OF GOD DEMANDS DIVINE RETRIBUTION FOR ALL SINS COMMITTED AGAINST HIM, AND WHY ALL ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR UNGODLY DEEDS]:

"As it is written, There is [NONE RIGHTEOUS], no, not one: There is [NONE] that understandeth, there is [NONE] that seeketh after God. They are [ALL] gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is [NONE THAT DOETH GOOD], no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: [THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES]." (Romans 3:10-18)

One might beg such questions as: Why did God create Adam (the first man) if He knew ahead of time that he would fall into sin through his rebellion? Or . . . why did God create Ha-Satan knowing that his insubordination would bring about the fall of man, and that he and all other [stony-hearted] and rebellious creatures would ultimately end up in the Eternal Lake of Fire? Or . . . Could it be that Adam was left with [no choice] but to rebel, since it was God who brought him into existence? Did God "coerce" Adam to sin in the Paradise of God? Was Adam left without "free will" when we take into consideration all of the above?

[CONTINUED . . .]

"[THERE IS NONE HOLY AS THE LORD]: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God." (1 Samuel 2:2)

Man was created in the image of God: he was created with emotions, the ability to rationalize, and to have "free" will (Gen. 9:6; Rom. 8:29; Col. 3:10; Jas. 3:9; we are only TRULY [free] in Christ; otherwise, we remain slaves of sin. see Jn. 8:34-36); he [chose] to rebel against the direct Commands of God by his disobedience, and now this image of man has been marred. Fallen man still has the body of death attached to him, and he is still sold under sin, but he has been bought with a price through the priceless blood of the Lamb (cf. Rom. 7:14,24; 1 Cor. 6:20). Nevertheless, all humans are culpable for their sinful actions because NONE are equal in comparison to the Holiness that God [alone] possesses, not even the angels.

We must remember that sin existed BEFORE the creation of man, and where did sin originate? This may surprise some, but it originated in Heaven! This was the first rebellion against God to take place: these celestial creatures dwelt in the very Presence of the Almighty, and they experienced all the Goodness and Blessings [to the nth degree]. This shows us that ALL sentient creatures that came into being are capable of [imperfection] -- because God [ALONE] is Perfect and Holy; and their environment did not inhibit these creatures from rebelling against their Creator.

Moreover, man has a [conscience]: God has written His moral laws within their hearts, and their hearts bears witness from their conscience of what is deemed good or evil, which all human beings now possess. It is ONLY through the Vicarious death of Jesus Christ on the Cross can the gap between God and man be bridged; it is not by human achievement are we reconciled unto God (Isa. 64:6; Rom. 3:20; 9:16; 11:6; Gal. 2:21; Eph. 2:8-9; 2 Tim. 1:9), but through the Divine Accomplishment by the Precious Blood of the Spotless Lamb of God (Isa. 53:5; Mk. 10:45; Jn. 1;29; Rom. 5:9; 6:23; Gal. 3:13; Eph. 1:7; Heb. 9:12,22; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 2:24; 1 Jn. 1:7; Rev. 5:9; et al).

We are to understand that God's Holiness is unparalleled by any creature in existence, insomuch that even the "holy" angels cannot see God in His fullest manifestation. We see examples of God's "veiled" Glory in His Theophanies: to stand in the Full Presence and Manifestation of His Holiness and Glory will result in immediate death (cf. Exod. 14:19; 19:16-20; Isa. 6:1-3; Rev. 1:17). God's Unique Holiness does not allow for any vulnerability on His part to be compromised by anything sinful; this alone is why God cannot be tempted with evil (cf. Lev. 19:2; 1 Pet. 1:16; Hab. 1:13; Jas. 1:13). It is not possible for God to create a sentient creature which is Perfect and Holy as He is; therefore, all created beings are capable of making mistakes because they do not share or possess the Divine Attributes of God's *Unchanging* and Perfect nature. Can God create another God? Obviously NOT! Therefore, the innate nature of all created beings CANNOT be Perfect, Holy, and Righteous as God is.

"And [it repented the Lord that he had made man] on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart." (Genesis 6:6)

*One might be tempted to question God as to why He "repented" (Heb. nacham; i.e., "to express sorrow") that He had made man on Earth. God does NOT change His Mind, and He is not to be understood by attributing human emotions and the limitations of man's finite mind to Him. Did God Truly change His mind? If He did indeed change His mind, then why is it that mankind still exists to this present day? The human race would have been [wiped out] long ago if He carried through with this, and if this were a [promise] He had made, it would have came to pass. This is a primary example of the extension of God's Mercy upon man and His common Grace; for even His Common Grace allowed for man to continue on living, considering that the penalty of sin and disobedience ("death") was long overdue (cf. Ps. 145:9; Matt. 5:44-45; Lk. 6:35; Rom. 2:4; 1 Tim. 4:10; 2 Pet. 3:9).  

[CONTINUED . . .]

"Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [THOU ONLY ART HOLY]: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest." (Revelation 15:4) 

To argue that one should not be held accountable for their sins because they had no involvement in Adam's disobedience is to suggest that one can be Holy and Perfect as God is. The above verse clearly states that the Holiness of God has no equal: no sentient creature (i.e., "humans, and all creatures in the cosmic regions and beyond") are Holy as the Three persons of the Triune Godhead.

"And, behold, one came and said unto him, [GOOD MASTER], what [good thing] shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, [Why callest thou me good?] [THERE IS NONE GOOD BUT ONE, THAT IS, GOD]: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." (Matthew 19:16-17)

To suggest that Jesus Christ is a "created" person is to accuse Him of being "imperfect" and "less" Holier than the One True God, who is His own Father; furthermore, His Divine prerogative to forgive sins demonstrates to us that He is [equal] to God the Father in Holiness and Righteousness. Jesus was also referred to as "the Holy One" of God which confirmed His Sinlessness, Deity, and Equality with God; and even the demons acknowledged this Truth (cf. Ps. 16:10; Dan. 9:24; Matt. 8:29; 28;18; Mk. 1:24; Lk. 4:34; 5:20-21; Jn. 5:18; Acts 2:27; 3:14; 4:27; Rev. 3:7).

"That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, [DWELLING IN THE LIGHT WHICH NO MAN CAN APPROACH] unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen." (1 Timothy 6:14-16)

Failure to recognize that God alone is Good, and that there are NONE who possess the attributed Holiness which is distinct to the Creator Alone is to miss the mark of His Holiness, which is set apart from all other beings that came into existence since the beginning of time (cf. Exod. 15:11; 1 Sam. 2:2; Job 34:10; Hab. 1:13; Rev. 4:8). So even though man was made perfect (had not rebelled or sinned), he, and all other creatures are infinitely less Holy as God is; also, the "freedom" to do as one chooses to act upon does not negate human responsibility and his/her decision to comply to the Commands of God in obedience, or to rebel from his/her heart.

[CONTINUED . . .]

"And he said, Thou canst not [SEE] my face: for there shall no man [SEE] me, and live." (Exodus 33:20)

"Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath [SEEN] me hath [SEEN] the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works." (John 14:8-10)

No one can abide in the presence of the Fullest manifestation of God's Glory and Holiness without being consumed by His Power and Majesty; but the Revelation of God the Father through the Son provides us a way to do just that. Only the Eternal Son of God can "show" us the Father, because He Himself dwells in the Father, and the Father in Him. The Divine Attributes of Christ was on full display through His spoken words and the miraculous works performed in the presence of many; God's [Holy] Spirit made it evident that the fullness of God was [in] Christ (cf. Jn. 3:2; 5:19; 8:29; 10:30; 15:26; 2 Cor. 5:19; 1 Tim. 3:16). There were undeniable proof of the miracles in which Jesus established the credibility of His Deity and Oneness with God; this is why those who blasphemed the Holy Ghost would never receive forgiveness (Matt. 12:31-32; Jn. 14:10-11; Heb. 6:4-6; 10:26-27).

"No man hath [SEEN GOD] God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him." (John 1:18)

Would the words of our Lord Jesus Christ establish any more credibility if you were to see Him in person? If the miracles He had performed while He was on Earth were done in your presence, would it be "more" convincing? Jesus said that those in Tyre and Sidon would have repented in sackcloth and ashes had they "seen" the miracles which were done in Chorazin and Bethsaida; or if the miracles done in Capernaum were also done in Sodom, it would still be standing. We now have the FULL Revelation of God's Word in the Canon of Holy Scripture, and to reject the Gospel Message of Salvation is inexcusable (cf. Matt. 11:21-14; Lk. 12:48; Heb. 12:3).

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: [WHOM HAVING NOT SEEN, YE LOVE]; in whom, though now [YE SEE HIM NOT, YET BELIEVING], ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:7-9)

"Blessed are the pure in heart: for [THEY SHALL SEE GOD]." (Matthew 5:8)

[CONTINUED . . .]

[THEM THAT KNOW NOT GOD]:

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for [God hath shewed it unto them]. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are [CLEARLY SEEN], being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that [they are without excuse]: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and [their foolish heart was darkened]." (Romans 1:18-21)

Everyone knows that God exists, because the evidence is clearly seen in the Creation of the Universe (Visible and Invisible). Naturalism's greatest enemy is Faith: if there are no external proof of the existence of God, then they will in no way subject themselves to the possibility of the miraculous or supernatural. Both Gravity and Wind are Invisible to the naked eye, and yet it is accepted in the secular world as theoretically true based upon "the results" purported in their scientific research; however, we discover that the Holy Spirit will yield [results] in the life of every Genuine Believer, and our Lord made a perfect analogy of the Spirit's involvement in the life of Christians with that of the wind, which is also not perceptible to the human eye (Jn. 3:8). To deny such inescapable evidence is to be without excuse (cf. Ps. 19:1-8; 94:9; Acts 14:15-17; 17:23-28).

The miracles and supernatural events spoken of in Scripture are being explained away in today's secular world with science alone: such as the Creation of the world in 6 literal days; they theorize that each "day" could refer to epochs, which span millions of years. The problem with this theory is the inconsistency regarding the Nature of the Creator; the book of Revelation states that God will [recreate] the Universe (the heavens and the Earth), and it will NOT take "millions of years" to accomplish this from the Almighty; it is recreated before the eyes of all living beings (Isa. 65:17; 66:22-24; Matt. 24:29; 2 Pet. 3:10-13; Rev. 6:13; 21:1), unless one wants to consider that the redeemed of all the ages will literally have to wait [millions of years] for the New heavens and the new Earth to come into being, so let God be God.

Satan wants the entire unbelieving world (e.g., "atheism, naturalistic worldviews, etc.") to remain in the dark by blinding their minds through misdirection, and an example of this is to prevent atheists from experiencing anything supernatural (e.g., "encounters with spirit beings, ufo's and their otherworldly occupants [these entities are under the controlling sphere of the prince of the power of the air], or anything beyond the normal human senses"). Of course atheists would argue that such occurrences can be explained away through research; it's just that we have yet to discover its scientific meaning. By definition, anything in the supernatural realm would not be able to be explained using naturalistic means; there will always be conflicting arguments when the two are juxtaposed. Example: carbon dating would not supply the sufficient data when the miraculous or supernatural occurs, especially when the source are directly from God; we find that the Bible records a miraculous even involving Joshua, who through the Power of Almighty God, [commanded] the Sun to stand still (Heb. shemesh damam -- qal stem in the imperative; lit., to "be silent or still" Josh. 10:12-13).

"And [I SAW A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH]: for the first heaven and the first earth were [PASSED AWAY]; and there was [NO MORE SEA]." (Revelation 21:1)

[CONTINUED . . .]

Christianity is the [ONLY] Faith that is without contradiction when describing the Creation of all things into existence by God through His revealed Word, and everyone ought to know that Creation points to a Creator; knowing this, all creatures with a conscience should gravitate towards the One True God as a result of this obvious Truth, so they are without excuse (cf. Acts 8:26-39; 10:1-48; 17:27). Those who suppress the Truth will be speechless at the Day of Judgment because their [conscience] bears clear evidence (i.e., "objective moral values") of the existence of a Creator: i.e., the guilt of murder, lying, adultery, theft, etc., is the result of God's Moral laws written in the heart of every human being, unless their conscience is "seared" with a branding iron (cf. Ps. 14:1; Jn. 3:19-20; Rom. 1:19; 2:14; 1 Tim. 4:2); nevertheless, they will be without excuse based upon all available information given by way of God's Eternal Attributes and man's conscience.

Here are a few among many scenarios of "subjective" [moral] values and their applications in our modern-day world:

What is the difference between killing and murder? According to the standard definition of several types of killing, they are not explicitly defined as murder: Neonaticide (the "killing" of an infant within the first 24 hours of his/her life), Mariticide (the "killing" of a husband), Uxoricide (the "killing" of a wife), Familicide (the "killing" of a family), Genocide (the "extermination" of an entire national, racial, religious, or ethnic group). Would Theriocide (the "killing" of an animal; cf. Lev. 24:21) be a violation of God's Moral Laws? If you are found taking the life of an animal, would you be considered "guilty" of murder? Would a lion be guilty of "murder" if it decides to eat a zebra as prey to sustain itself? (Lev. 24:21; Rom. 2:14-15).

The word for "killing" in the Old (Heb. ratsach) and New (Grk. Phoneuo) Testament is defined as [murder], and the difference between the two are glaringly obvious. God does NOT commit [murder], for He Himself Commanded not to carry out such malicious acts towards your fellow human (Exod. 20:13; Lev. 24:17; Matt. 5:21-22; Rom. 13:8-10; Gal. 5:14; Jas. 2:11; 1 Jn. 3:15). When the word "kill" (Grk. apoktennonton -- aorist infinitive active; cf.Matt. 10:28 -- e.g., "kill the soul") is applied to God as the doer of the action, it is defined not as murder, but the deprivation of any sort of spiritual life whereby unsaved men and women are sentenced to Never-ending Anguish and Torments in the Eternal Lake of Fire. Since God is the source of all moral laws, He is Righteous and Just to condemn the unbeliever to Eternal Punishment as the Judge of All.

To commit an act of murder against your fellow human may very well result in Capital Punishment, but this is first and foremost a transgression of more serious consequence in the Eternal Mind of God and His Divine Attributes. How much greater would any trespass be against the Most Sovereign of All Creation? This is why any sin warrants Eternal Punishment, and why God and Christ are to be Worshiped for His Goodness and Mercy towards us. The etymology of the word Worship is derived from "worth or worthy"/ship, so ask yourself this, how much is God Worth to you? The greater remorse a Christian has for sinning against God reveals how much he/she Values God from their heart, and How Worthy He is to them. How significant is a person is "worth" whether great or small), what about a "King" such as Nebuchadnezzar to you? How much is he to be valued among men? Even he eventually came to his senses and realized that God is Infinitely Greater than him in Power and WORTH! Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged:

"And [ALL THE INHABITANTS OF THE EARTH ARE REPUTED AS NOTHING]: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" (Daniel 4:35)

[CONTINUED . . .]

A glimpse into the future in Revelation 5 reveals that Seraphim and the twenty four elders [WORSHIP] the Lamb (v. because He has redeemed mankind unto God from every tribe, tongue, and nation through His Priceless shed Blood. Worship, as defined by the English dictionary is not sufficient in its meaning when compared to the Totality of Holy Scripture and its fullest expression of the Word. We discover that there is Infinite Worth in the Triune God and His power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, and glory (v. 12); failure or refusal to acknowledge this TRUTH is utter defiance to the God who brought you into existence, and this is the highest form of rebellion and pride, in which you will face the Vengeance of God, where His burning anger will devour your entire being as His Wrath will remain within your body and soul for all of eternity (cf. Matt. 13:38-42; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Heb. 10:27; Rev. 20:15).

"And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, [WORTHY IS THE LAMB THAT WAS SLAIN] to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And [EVERY CREATURE] which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be [UNTO HIM THAT SITTETH UPON THE THRONE, AND UNTO THE LAMB FOR EVER AND EVER]. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and [WORSHIPPED HIM] that liveth for ever and ever." (Revelation 5:11-14)

I can write an entire message on the topic of Suicide, but I'd rather condense it in this thread as a sidebar since it is related to the subtopic of killing and murder.

Be extremely cautious whenever a Pastor, Bible teacher, or anyone for that matter teaches that Genuine Christians can commit suicide and remain saved; that is a lie from the pits of hell, and there have been many highly respected Pastors who have taught such erroneous teachings. Suicide is the absolute opposite of the indwelling power of God in the life of every Christian who has been saved. The Bible clearly teaches that those who are [in] Christ have Victory, and they continually conquer the World and its system through Christ (Rom. 8:37-39; 1 Cor. 15:57; 1 Jn. 2:13; 4:4; 5:4-5; Rev. 12:11). Before a "professing" Christian "chooses" to take his/her own life, they may want to ask themselves, "who TRULY is in [control] of such malice?" When someone is murdered, it was an involuntary decision in which they had no participation in, but an act which someone else committed towards them. Suicide (the "killing" of oneself), is the act of taking one's OWN life, and it is demonstrative of complete [control] over that action upon oneself, because it is YOUR body, and that body [belongs] to you. When someone makes the final decision to commit Suicide, they are placing themselves in a precarious and soul-damning situation; a situation which cannot be reversed once your mind is set on it. As for Genuine Christians, their bodies ("the temple of the Holy Spirit") BELONG to their Lord Jesus Christ, and it is to be a [LIVING] sacrifice, holy, acceptable [unto] God, not yourself (cf. Jn. 7:38-39; 20:22; Rom. 12:1; 1 Cor. 12:3; Acts 1:8; Rom. 8:9; 2 Cor. 6:16).

"Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. [THEN ENTERED SATAN INTO JUDAS] surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. [AND HE PROMISED], and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude." (Luke 22:1-6)

We find a perfect example of suicide in the person of Judas Iscariot. He left his door wide open for Satan to [enter] into him, and BOTH Judas and Satan became [one] as the the spirit of the Devil joined with the spirit of Judas: this is why Jesus referred to Judas as a "devil" (Lk. 22:3-6; Jn. 6:70; 13:2,27). A man and his wife become [one] flesh through the union of marriage (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:5; Eph. 5:31), but [the Body of Christ] (All Genuine Christians) is referred to as [the Bride] of Christ, and they are [joined] to Him in One Spirit (cf. 1 Cor. 6:17-20; 12:12; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 3:6; 4:4-7,16; 5:24-27; Col. 3:14-16; Rev. 19:7-9; 21:1-2; 22:20).

The Holy Spirit is [the Spirit] of God and Christ, and yet they are distinct persons of the Godhead, but they [exist] from Eternity past: therefore they are [equal] in every respect, and have the same Essence, Immutable Attributes, and Divine Nature; since no member of the Godhead came [into being], which makes them Uniquely Holy and Separate from any creature in existence. The physical composition of most creatures with the ability to reason do not "literally" become ONE if an attempt was made to somehow join them together in any way possible; but the soul/spirit are non-corporeal aspects of a person as a whole: thus, they can become [ONE] in Spirit -- but this Union is not perfected until the redemption of the body. The glorified body which will be given to all the redeemed will be BOTH body and spirit in a way that is unlike the bodies that Christians now possess, and they will be united in absolute Unity with God and Christ; the Spirit of God (i.e., The Holy Spirit) will be [ONE] with the Wife of Christ as God's Eternal Spirit will Unite with them in Perfection, and it will remain this way for all of Eternity.

Willful and deliberate defiance, disobedience, and especially "betrayal" against the Almighty can lead to suicide, and God Himself says that "rebellion" is as the sin of [witchcraft] (Heb. qesem; see 1 Sam. 15:23); this is one of the reasons why those who engage in the occult (e.g., "divination") at times result in the taking of their own life. They basically open doorways for these evil spirits to enter our realm and take control of the person responsible, and this is usually done over a period of time. Cases of suicide usually involve demonic spirit beings who impart false emotions of utter worthlessness and contempt brought upon the victim almost instantly; they may also hear voices in their head instructing them to kill themselves or others haphazardly. King Saul rebelled against God's explicit Command to destroy ALL humans and animals, but he disobeyed God and kept the best livestock; he also kept Agag alive when he shouldn't have (1 Sam. 15:3-11). His rebellious attitude led to an evil spirit to enter Saul and tormented him, and this ultimately led to his suicide (1 Sam. 16:15-16,23; 18:10; 19:9).

[CONTINUED . . .]

"Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, [then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart]. This is he which received seed by the way side." (Matthew 13:18-19)

"He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, [Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God]. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 16:15-17)

Satan will make every effort to steal the Gospel Message from the heart of its hearers, and we find this in the Parable of the Sower. Peter acknowledged Christ as the Son of the Living God through a revelation given to him by the Father; and then comes Satan immediately, who attempts to snatch the Truth which was sown in the heart of Simon to prevent Jesus from fulfilling His mission. The Devil is a liar, thief, murderer, and the biggest loser in the Universe, and those who side with him will join him in Hell to experience Eternal anguish, horrendous suffering Forever, the torments of Everlasting Wrath, and the Vengeance of Eternal Fire; for it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God (cf. Isa. 66:24; Dan. 12:2; Matt. 10:28; 13:50; 23:33; 25:41; Lk. 3:17; Jn. 3:36; 8:44; 2 Thess. 1:9; Heb. 10:31; Jas. 2:19; Jude 6-13; Rev. 14:11; 19:20; 20:10,14-15; 21:8).

"From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, [Get thee behind me, Satan]: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men." (Matthew 16:21-23)

"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, [Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat]: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." (Luke 22:31-32)

Simon Peter denied three times that he even knew Christ, and Satan was relentless as he made every effort that Peter would soon fall away from his faithfulness to the Lord as a result of persecution (cf. Zech. 13:7; Matt. 26:31,56; Mk. 14:50). The Devil wanted to [sift] Peter as wheat in the wheat field (see passage below), but he failed miserably because the Lord had prayed that Peter's faith would NOT fail (see passage above); as a result of Christ's intercession: this brought about increased faith, strength, and unwavering Trust in God's promises as a result of the persecution Peter had endured (cf. Jn. 21:18-19; 1 Cor. 10:13; Jas. 1:12-13; 1 Pet. 1:6-7).

"But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for [when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended]." (Matthew 13:20-21)

The chief end of all mankind is to Worship and Glorify God because of His Grace and Mercy, and to acknowledge His Goodness seen in His Creation. Mans rebellious nature against God is an affront to Him who has Created all good things in order that man may experience the True meaning of Life to its fullest (Exod. 5-7; Lev. 10:3; 1 Chron. 16:24-29; Ps. 29:1-2; 148; Matt. 5:45; Acts 14:15-17; Rom. 15:5-6; 1 Cor. 10:31; 1 Tim. 6:17; Jas. 1:17; Rev. 4:11). The tragic outcome of man's autonomy and rebellion has led many to spiritual blindness: such as false religions, philosophies, ideologies, and doctrines of demons, which has replaced the Truth of God's Revealed Word in Holy Scripture with lies and deception (cf. Jn. 3:19-20; 2 Cor. 10:4-5; 1 Tim. 4:1-5).

[CONTINUED . . .]

[THEM THAT OBEY NOT THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST]:

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but [he that doeth] (Grk. ho poion -- present participle; i.e., "continual obedience to the Will of God") the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, [ye that work iniquity] (Grk. hoi ergazomenoi anomian -- present participle; i.e., "those who do lawlessness all the time")." (Matthew 7:21-23)

Disobedience to the Word of God does not fall into the category of unbelievers only, it includes "professing" Christians and apostates as well, and those who twist the Scriptures to their own destruction (cf. Matt. 24:4-12; Acts 20:29-30; 2 Thess. 2:3-12; Heb. 3:12; 5:11; 6:8; 10:26-31; 2 Pet. 3:3; 1 Jn. 2:18; Jude 18). Ecumenism is spreading like gangrene by hirelings in the pulpits today who knowingly unite Christ with Belial through their misrepresentation of unconditional love; they adulterate the Truth of Christianity by marrying worldliness and spiritual harlotry/adultery (cf. Hos. 5:4; Matt. 12:39; 2 Cor. 11:2; Jas. 4:4) with the purity of Holy Scripture. The Bible is replete with warnings that those who preach another Gospel are to be accursed (i.e., anathema; cf. Gal. 1:8-9; 2 Pet. 2:1). Your congregation will most certainly dwindle in numbers if you are preaching sermons concerning warnings of sin and hell; Christians (in name only) these days want freedom from any responsibility of living a godly and holy life and to submit fully to the Lordship of Christ. Which one will you choose?

"Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (Psalm 37:4)

"Delight thyself also in the Devil: and he shall give thee the sinful desires of thine immoral and unregenerate heart." (Book of deception 6:18)

"And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, [they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day]. And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation. And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him. And the Lord said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp. And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and [STONED HIM WITH STONES, AND HE DIED]; as the Lord commanded Moses." (Numbers 15:32-36)

The severity of direct and willful defiance against the clear Commandments of God often results in death, and many, including "Christians", view this as too harsh of a penalty for anyone. If I tell you that submerging your hands into a pot of boiling water will result in the skin of your hand to be singed off, and it will be accompanied by horrendous pain for extended periods of time; whose fault is it if you deliberately chose to ignore this warning? How much more serious is the willful disobedience against the Almighty? Are the warnings from the Almighty of less significance than placing one's hand into a pot of boiling water? When the Christ of God reigns for 1,000 years, all will be subject to His Sovereignty as He shepherds them with an iron rod; and willful disobedience will result in a more severe chastening to those who choose not to the Commandments of God and His Christ (cf. Ps. 2:9; Zech. 14:16-19; Rev. 2:27).

[CONTINUED . . .]

"And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, that [whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain]. And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith [THE LORD WILL SMITE THE HEATHEN THAT COME NOT UP] to keep the feast of tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles." (Zechariah 14:16-19)

The feast of tabernacles during the Millennium will be commemorative of God's Presence among the Israelites during their time in the wilderness (Lev. 23:34-36), and this celebration in the 1,000 year reign of Christ will signify the Presence of Christ among His people (the restoration of Israel and the ingathering of the Gentile nations); this celebration will be a time of rejoicing and praise unto God and His Christ, and those who refuse to give due Worship to the King of all the Earth will be sent plagues and droughts as a result of their disobedience (1 Kgs. 17:1-7; 2 Chron. 7:13-14; Zech. 14:9; Jas. 5:17-18). 

There can be no excuse for those who continually reject the Gospel Message; which was confirmed by the prophets, Apostles, and even the Son of God Himself (Matt. 22:11-13). The hostility from the world towards those who bring the Gospel of Peace out of concern should not come as a surprise, because our Lord spoke to His disciples concerning the hatred of the world they should readily expect (cf. Gen. 3:15; Jn. 15:18-19; Jas. 4:4; 1 Jn. 3:13). It is a tragedy that Christians are viewed as the enemies of this world, considering when the lost, whom they are concerned for, is their mission field; and we are considered "unloving" to preach on God's Holy and Righteous Judgment against sin, and the Love of God fully displayed on the Cross for mankind.

"[HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE, IF WE NEGLECT SO GREAT SALVATION]; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?" (Hebrews 2:3-4)

[CONTINUED . . .]

Satan is fully aware that his time is short, because he knows what the Scriptures speak concerning the final days before our Lord's Return for His Bride. Moreover, it is the Devil himself who will be the grand architect behind most of these signs pointing to the time of the end; and this is one reason why he knows that his time is almost up. The signs regarding the final days as we draw nearer and nearer to the Parousia will increase in frequency and intensity (e.g., "apostasy, deception, false prophets, false Christs [i.e., "false anointed ones"], counterfeit miracles, sexual immorality [e.g., "the days of Lot"], rebellion [e.g., "feminism and women pastors"], lacking any form of love [e.g., "abortion"], selfishness, etc.; cf. Exod. 20:13; Job 10:8-12; 31:15; Ps. 139:13,16; Isa. 44:2; Jer. 1:5; 7:6; Matt. 24:11-12,24; Lk. 17:28-30; 2 Thess. 2:3,11; 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Tim. 3:3,13; 1 Jn. 2:18).

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come [A FALLING AWAY] first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God." (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)

The Greek grammar uses the definite article: [THE] Apostasy (Grk. he apostasia). Apostasy was not uncommon in the Bible, and it was prevalent in New Testament times; but there will come [the] Apostasy in the latter times: this speaks or a "revolt" against the True Christian Faith (cf. Jude 3). The context is further defined as the worship of the Antichrist (lit., "opposing or substituting Christ"), who is the [man of sin] (Grk. ho anthropos tes anomias). The word used here for "sin" (Grk. anomias; lit., "against, or without law") is taken from the compound word [antinomianism]: which means, "anti" (against) "nomos" (law). Jesus told the religious hypocrites of His day that He will profess to them that He never knew these workers of iniquity [lawless men] (Matt. 7:21-23), so it shouldn't come as a surprise that apostate Judaism continues to this very day, and how it will play a major role when the Antichrist appears on the scene.

The Antichrist (i.e., "the beast") will deceive the Jews (i.e., the "non-elect Jews") during the time of Jacob's Trouble, and he will establish a "peace" Covenant with Israel (Dan. 9:25; 12:1; Isa. 13:13; Jer. 30:7; Matt. 24:21; Rev. 3:10; 13:5). The Beast is BOTH an Empire and a Person; oftentimes, a nation will have a nonhuman entity as its protector, but rebellious nations will have either a fallen angelic being (e.g., a "principality") or a demon governing it (cf. Dan. 10:13; 12:1; Eph. 6:12; Rev. 12:7; 20:8). God will bring a third of them (i.e., "the remnant, or the 144,000") through the fire, and He will purge them through their persecution from the Antichrist; they will call upon the Messiah as their Lord and Savior, and their Covenant with Him will then be restored (cf. Isa. 35:10; Jer. 30:11; Matt. 25:31-46; Zech. 12:10-13:1,9; Rev. 7:4).

[CONTINUED . . .]

[THE VENGEANCE OF GOD AND HIS CHRIST TOWARDS THE PERSECUTORS OF HIS PEOPLE/SINNERS STORING UP WRATH]:

"For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by his sword (i.e., "The Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Word of God Incarnate") will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many." (Isaiah 66:15-16)

"[To me belongeth vengeance and recompence]; their foot shall slide [IN DUE TIME]: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste." (Deuteronomy 32:35)

It is God alone who is the Perfect Judge, and it is through His Justice and Righteousness will He judge the living and the dead without partiality. There are many who stand behind a pulpit that take issue with the imprecatory Psalms, and to even consider this as a topic for a sermon would seem harsh and in favor of unjust retribution. Indeed, it would be deemed unbefitting if one were to execute judgment when and where it should be meted out towards the ungodly when it comes from the imperfect heart of fallen man, but in the case of God, He is the One who doles out punishment to all the ungodly in Righteousness. The Greek noun for "Vengeance" (Grk. ekdikeo) stems from the root word for Just or Justice; it can also mean that which is Justified or Righteous: this applies to the King of the All Creation alone, and NONE OTHER.

"Dearly beloved, [avenge not yourselves], but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, [Vengeance is mine]; I will pay, saith the Lord." (Romans 12:19)

"But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? [Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance?] (I speak as a man) God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?" (Romans 3:5-6)

"And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder." (Matthew 21:44)

"Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart [TREASUREST UP UNTO THYSELF WRATH] against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds:" (Romans 2:4-6)

All who live godly lives in Christ Jesus [WILL] face persecution; and if this is something foreign to you, then you may want to examine yourself to make certain that you are indeed a True Christian (cf. Jn. 15:18-21; Acts 14:22; 2 Cor. 4:8-12; 2 Tim. 3:12; Rev. 13:7). Our God guarantees Victory and Vengeance for His persecuted Saints of all the ages, and that time will come when the Family of God will REIGN Triumphant over ALL who are the enemies of God, His Christ, and the Gospel. The wicked will be put to shame and everlasting contempt, because they refused NOT to bow their knees to the Most High and give Him the due Worship; they will face even a greater penalty than those who have never heard the Gospel or responded to it. Jesus said that it would be better for those who cause His "little ones" to stumble (i.e., the "childlike" humility of all Genuine Christians"; cf. Matt. 10:42; 19:14) if a millstone were hanged about their necks, and that they were drowned in the depth of the sea (Matt. 18:6).

[CONTINUED . . .]

In Closing:  

"For [A FIRE IS KINDLED IN MINE ANGER, AND SHALL BURN UNTO THE LOWEST HELL], and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them. They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust. The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs." (Deuteronomy 32:22-25)

"Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall [REIGN WITH HIM A THOUSAND YEARS]. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the [four quarters of the earth] (i.e., "the four points of a compass"), [Gog] (i.e., "Prince gog, a supernatural entity possessed by the Devil himself"; cf. Rev. 16:13-14), and [Magog] (i.e., "an army of demon possessed rebels amassed from nations at the consummation of the Earthly 1,000 year reign of Christ"), to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the [breadth of the earth] (i.e., "the plains of the land [of Israel]"), and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be [TORMENTED DAY AND NIGHT FOR EVER AND EVER]." (Revelation 20:6-10)

Even after the Lord's 1,000 year reign upon the Earth, there will be MANY who stubbornly refuse to subject themselves to the Sovereign, Righteous, and Holy Rule of God and His Christ; this demonstrates that their decisions are irremediable due to the hardness of their hearts (cf. Jn. 3:18; Rom. 1:28; 2 Tim. 3:8; Tit. 1:16). The Glorious Presence of God and Christ in His fullest Manifestations, and the Sovereign Power of His Might, was not enough for these rebellious men and women to bow their knees in adoration and reverence of all the Goodness their Creator has displayed. Those who end up in the Eternal Lake of Fire took delight in their sins over living Eternally with the Most Holy and Just God; for this cause, God will give them over to their reprobate hearts what they desire: to commit iniquity without any restraint, and to do nothing [but evil] with each passing moment of their Christless existence (e.g., "hatred, misery, agony, without restraint of evil, malice, brutality, etc.").

"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called [FAITHFUL AND TRUE], and [IN RIGHTEOUSNESS HE DOTH JUDGE AND MAKE WAR]. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And [the armies which were in heaven followed him] upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and [WRATH OF ALMIGHTY GOD]. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, [KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS]." (Revelation 19:11-15)

There will be a final effort made by Satan to usurp the Eternal Throne of the Most Sovereign God and Despot: this prophecy depicts the pathetic attempt made by the Devil, who gathers an army which numbers in the millions, if not into the billions. Does God need an army? Christ is accompanied by saints of the Old Testament, the saints of the New Testament, and His angels; this however, does not suggest that His [army] even lifts a finger (cf. Dan. 12:1-2; Matt. 25:31; Jude 14). There will be a bloodbath as the LORD will call upon the birds of the air to tear the flesh off of those waging war against Him, and the beast and the false prophet will be captured and thrown alive into the Eternal Lake of Fire to be tormented forever. It is Christ alone who will take Vengeance on all who have afflicted God and His people (Ps. 149:5-9; 1 Cor. 6:2; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 20:4,9).

"Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute upon them the judgment written: [THIS HONOUR HAVE ALL HIS SAINTS, PRAISE YE THE LORD]." (Psalm 149:5-9)

God Bless!